by: Josh Aseo || Photo Credit: Jessa Turalba

To strengthen the support system for students’ well-being, the Student Services Division (SSD) and the Guidance Office of Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC), organized a Wellness Core Group training to 29 personnel at the C Pavillion Lounge at San Jose, Tacloban City, September 18 & 19. 

Ms. Kay Zabala, founder of the KKYZ Life Coaching Services, gave a lecture on how to connect better with students with regard to their mental well-being. Included in the lecture were issues on the mental health stigma, debunking myths about mental health, and how education should properly come into picture.

According to Ms. Alona P. Peleño, the school’s guidance counselor, the purpose of the core group is to live up to their mantra: “presence, support, and connection.” She also mentioned that the presence of the wellness group and the support that they can offer, can form a stronger connection between the faculty and students. 

“It’s so cliche but I think it still runs through that it’s okay to not be okay. Since there’s help available, you don’t have to just isolate yourself. These people are willing to help, the Wellness Core Group coaches are there for you,” she added. 

She also said that students often feel scared when they are associated with the Guidance Office. However, the Wellness Core Group aims to disarm that stigma, as they work on their advocacy to improve the well-being of the EVC community.